Guinness Nigeria sponsors the 2011 Calabar Festival

Adrianne Nwagwu, Head Sustainability & Responsibility and Tony Ikogwe, Area Sales Manager both of Guinness Nigeria and Obioma Imoke, 1st Lady Cross River State look on as Governor Liyel Imoke as he gives his opening address at the Carnival Calabar 2011 Beer Village

Guinness Nigeria, one of the foremost brewing companies and a significant player in the manufacturing sector of the Nigerian economy, has announced its official sponsorship of Carnival Calabar.

Carnival Calabar also tagged “Africa’s Biggest Street Party“, is as part of the vision of making Cross River State the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourists from all over the world. The carnival which runs through the last month of every year promotes the cultural wealth of the Nigerian people while entertaining the millions of spectators within and outside the State, and boosting the Nigerian tourism industry.

Guinness Nigeria in recognition of the giant strides achieved by the Cross River state government and the Carnival organizers in putting Nigeria on the global tourism map is sponsoring this very important annual event to further support efforts of the Cross River state government in showcasing the skills, resourcefulness and vibrant culture of the Nigerian people.

With this sponsorship, Guinness Nigeria, a member company of the Diageo group, the world’s leading premium drinks business, has acquired exclusive rights as the Official Beer, Spirit & Soft Drink Supplier of Carnival Calabar as well as the exclusive operator of the Carnival’s Festival Village.

Clearly, with Guinness Nigeria’s sponsorship of Carnival Calabar 2011, the festival promises to deliver much more on entertainment as the breweries giant has some of its premium brands as hosts of leading events during the carnival. Some of these events include “Bailey’s Ladies Night Out”, The Novelty Football tournament by Guinness and the Governor’s themed party by Johnnie Walker. Harp Lager will also be headlining the carnival’s world class concert series “Calabar Rocks” and “Naija’s Most Wanted” scheduled for the 28th and 30th December respectively. The month-long festival will feature artistes from the Nigerian and international entertainment scene.

Nzan Ogbe, Special Advisor Governor’s Office and Chairman of the Carnival Planning Committee thanked Guinness Nigeria for their partnership and support for Carnival Calabar and looked forward to a fun-filled 32-day event.

Commenting on the sponsorship Sesan Sobowale, Corporate Relations Director Guinness Nigeria said, “Guinness Nigeria is pleased to be part of this grand display of our rich cultural heritage. We identify with the Carnival theme of endless possibilities and encourage all to celebrate life everyday; Carnival Calabar gives the opportunity to demonstrate this”.

He further stated that whilst Guinness Nigeria encourages visitors to the Carnival to enjoy the sights and sounds of the festival, the company encourages all consumers to drink responsibly.
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Governor Liyel Imoke signing the Guinness Nigeria Responsible Drinking Pledge Board at the Carnival Calabar Beer Village during the opening of the Carnival Calabar 2011

The Guinness Nigeria Responsible Drinking Messaging
o Strictly not for sale to persons under 18
o Drink water between drinks to keep you refreshed
o Eat a good meal
o Captain your team – keep an eye on your friends and make sure they get home safely
o Plan ahead – don’t drive after drinking
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